When Diet Is Part of the Problem: Nutrition & Common Health Issues in Dogs
Just like in humans, diet is foundational to a dog's health, capable of preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic conditions caused by a poor diet. What your dog eats affects every part of their organism — immune function, metabolic processes, digestion, skin health, and even behavior.
Many of the chronic ailments dogs suffer from are caused or aggravated by inappropriate diets. Dogs are routinely fed starch-heavy, highly processed diets that can be poorly tolerated, often for their entire lives. We've observed amazing recoveries in dogs that had been suffering from diet-related ailments for many years. Dogs are extremely resilient. Excessive carbohydrate starches and rancid, oxidized (spoiled) meats are the enemy of canine health and longevity.
For health ailments caused by improper diet, medications may relieve symptoms, but they cannot correct the food that is causing the problem. Correcting the diet gives the body the opportunity to repair and rebalance itself.
By switching to a biologically appropriate diet of Grand Future fresh grass-fed & grass-finished beef and organs with zero starch, we've seen many dogs overcome chronic problems that years of other approaches had failed to resolve. Here are some real examples.
"Picky" Eaters
Dogs aren’t picky — some are simply more discerning than others. When a dog refuses a particular commercial dog food, it is often instinctual self-preservation.
Real Results:
Dogs who turn their nose up at other foods tend to devour Grand Future because they instinctively recognize and enjoy the taste of real, healthy beef — their natural diet. Such dogs are often malnourished, which increases their craving for Grand Future even more until their bodies replenish the nutrition they've been missing.
Dogs who turn their nose up at other foods tend to devour Grand Future because they instinctively recognize and enjoy the taste of real, healthy beef — their natural diet. Such dogs are often malnourished, which increases their craving for Grand Future even more until their bodies replenish the nutrition they've been missing.
Digestive Health & Gut-Related Conditions
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic intestinal inflammation in dogs can be caused or aggravated by diet. In food-responsive cases, certain proteins, ingredients, or poorly tolerated formulations can trigger ongoing irritation and inflammation in the gut lining. Simplifying the diet and removing dietary triggers can produce dramatic improvement in some dogs.[1]
Real Results:
A 12-year-old dog who had suffered from IBD for 11 years switched to Grand Future Dog Food. Having tried "everything" over a decade — steroids, various diets including home-cooked, medications, and supplements — the owner was highly skeptical and essentially hopeless. With our guidance and no medications, the dog's intestinal inflammation subsided within days. The stool is consistent, solid, well-formed without that horrible smell. Proper nutrition succeeded where years of vet visits and thousands of dollars had failed.
A 12-year-old dog who had suffered from IBD for 11 years switched to Grand Future Dog Food. Having tried "everything" over a decade — steroids, various diets including home-cooked, medications, and supplements — the owner was highly skeptical and essentially hopeless. With our guidance and no medications, the dog's intestinal inflammation subsided within days. The stool is consistent, solid, well-formed without that horrible smell. Proper nutrition succeeded where years of vet visits and thousands of dollars had failed.
Chronic Reflux & Bile Vomiting
Chronic reflux and bile vomiting in dogs are often associated with irritation and abnormal movement of food and bile through the stomach and upper digestive tract. In diet-responsive dogs, foods that are poorly tolerated or difficult for that individual dog to digest can aggravate this irritation and disrupt normal digestion.
Real Results:
A 6-year-old dog who had suffered for years saw the problem disappear immediately after switching. Daily bile-vomiting stopped completely and was replaced by consistent, well-formed stool. The customer sent us photos of the stool the very next morning, then called to tell us the dog had slept through the night for the first time in a long time. The improvement was immediate and lasting.
A 6-year-old dog who had suffered for years saw the problem disappear immediately after switching. Daily bile-vomiting stopped completely and was replaced by consistent, well-formed stool. The customer sent us photos of the stool the very next morning, then called to tell us the dog had slept through the night for the first time in a long time. The improvement was immediate and lasting.
Chronic Loose Stool
Loose, stinky stool is often associated with poor digestibility, food intolerance, and intestinal irritation. In diet-responsive dogs, highly processed ingredients and starch-heavy formulas can contribute to chronic digestive problems and poor stool quality.
Real Results:
Dogs with stinky, soft stool see rapid improvement when switched to Grand Future Dog Food. The grass-fed, grass-finished beef in our food is highly digestible and provides a simple alternative to starch-heavy commercial formulas. Because our beef is grass-fed and grass-finished, its fat contains higher proportions of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA than grain-fed beef.[2] Grand Future also contains marine microalgae as a direct source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. In dogs, algal oil containing DHA and EPA has been shown to significantly increase circulating levels of both fatty acids, demonstrating that they are bioavailable from this source.[3] Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to influence inflammatory and immune responses in dogs.[4] Depending on the dog's condition, we may recommend a brief fast during the transition. Call us first so we can help determine the right transition for your dog.
Dogs with stinky, soft stool see rapid improvement when switched to Grand Future Dog Food. The grass-fed, grass-finished beef in our food is highly digestible and provides a simple alternative to starch-heavy commercial formulas. Because our beef is grass-fed and grass-finished, its fat contains higher proportions of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA than grain-fed beef.[2] Grand Future also contains marine microalgae as a direct source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. In dogs, algal oil containing DHA and EPA has been shown to significantly increase circulating levels of both fatty acids, demonstrating that they are bioavailable from this source.[3] Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to influence inflammatory and immune responses in dogs.[4] Depending on the dog's condition, we may recommend a brief fast during the transition. Call us first so we can help determine the right transition for your dog.
Impacted Anal Glands
Impacted anal glands are often a secondary issue associated with chronic loose stool. When stool is too soft, it does not apply the natural pressure needed to empty the anal sacs during bowel movements, which can lead to fluid buildup, discomfort, and potential infections.
Real Results:
Our grass-fed beef, zero-starch food supports normal digestion and produces the firm stool consistency that helps naturally express the anal sacs during bowel movements, addressing one of the most common contributors to recurring anal gland problems.
Our grass-fed beef, zero-starch food supports normal digestion and produces the firm stool consistency that helps naturally express the anal sacs during bowel movements, addressing one of the most common contributors to recurring anal gland problems.
Skin, Allergies & Sensitivities
Chronic Yeast Infections
Recurring yeast problems in dogs are commonly associated with an underlying disruption of the skin environment, including inflammation, allergies, and food sensitivities. When that inflammation is diet-responsive, removing dietary triggers can improve the skin environment and make recurring yeast overgrowth far easier to control.[5][6]
Real Results:
Grand Future Dog Food uses a simple grass-fed beef and organ formula with absolutely no starch, removing many of the dietary variables found in conventional dog foods. Customers with diet-responsive skin problems typically see brown yeast staining on paws, face (including tear stains), and belly clear up in about 1.5 months, with stubborn ear yeast resolving in roughly 2.5 months. Depending on the severity, in some cases anti-fungal medication can help facilitate recovery faster.
Grand Future Dog Food uses a simple grass-fed beef and organ formula with absolutely no starch, removing many of the dietary variables found in conventional dog foods. Customers with diet-responsive skin problems typically see brown yeast staining on paws, face (including tear stains), and belly clear up in about 1.5 months, with stubborn ear yeast resolving in roughly 2.5 months. Depending on the severity, in some cases anti-fungal medication can help facilitate recovery faster.
"Junk Food" Intolerances
(Often Misdiagnosed as Allergies)
Food intolerance and true food allergy are not the same thing, and many dogs with diet-responsive skin or digestive problems are labeled as having “food allergies.” Blood and skin tests for food allergies in dogs are unreliable. Serum food-specific antibody testing has low repeatability and highly variable accuracy, while a properly controlled elimination diet followed by rechallenge remains the most reliable way to determine whether a particular food is actually causing a reaction.[6] In one study of a direct-to-consumer hair and saliva allergy test, researchers even submitted synthetic fur and sterile saline and still received positive allergen results.[7]
Real Results:
Dogs that vets claimed were allergic even to beef thrive on Grand Future Dog Food. Once poorly tolerated processed ingredients are removed, inflammation, itching, and discomfort can subside dramatically. If a dog reacted to beef in the past, the only reliable way to determine whether beef itself is actually the trigger is through a properly controlled elimination diet and rechallenge. The source and formulation of the food matter as well. We'd never feed our dogs grocery-store beef.
Dogs that vets claimed were allergic even to beef thrive on Grand Future Dog Food. Once poorly tolerated processed ingredients are removed, inflammation, itching, and discomfort can subside dramatically. If a dog reacted to beef in the past, the only reliable way to determine whether beef itself is actually the trigger is through a properly controlled elimination diet and rechallenge. The source and formulation of the food matter as well. We'd never feed our dogs grocery-store beef.
Internal Health & Weight Management
Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Inflammation
Pancreatitis can have many causes. Diet is one factor veterinarians consider, particularly dietary fat, dietary indiscretion, and the overall digestibility and composition of the food. Nutrition also plays an important role in supporting dogs with a history of pancreatic inflammation.[8]
Real Results:
Multiple dogs switched from nutrient-poor “prescription” kibbles to Grand Future Dog Food are thriving again and genuinely enjoy eating. In one case, a dog’s cPL blood marker was markedly elevated at 759.8. After just one month on our food, blood was retested and the marker returned to the normal range below 200.
Multiple dogs switched from nutrient-poor “prescription” kibbles to Grand Future Dog Food are thriving again and genuinely enjoy eating. In one case, a dog’s cPL blood marker was markedly elevated at 759.8. After just one month on our food, blood was retested and the marker returned to the normal range below 200.
Obesity & Bladder Stones
Some “grain-free” kibbles are very low in meat and high in legumes and starches. These ingredients can displace animal protein, increase the carbohydrate load of the diet, affect metabolism, and influence urine chemistry. High-legume diets have also been investigated for their effects on macronutrient and amino-acid digestibility and taurine metabolism in dogs.[9] Some prescription diets for bladder stones use higher levels of sodium to encourage increased water intake and dilute the urine.[10] Increased water intake and urine dilution can be useful, but nutrition, hydration, urine chemistry, stone type, and the individual dog's metabolism all play important roles in urinary health.[11] Excessive sodium chloride can cause salt toxicosis, and high sodium intake warrants particular caution in dogs with impaired kidney function.[12] Grand Future contains no added salt; its sodium occurs naturally in the ingredients.
Real Results:
A 115 lb dog developed calcium oxalate bladder stones and gained 15 lbs of unhealthy fat after consuming expensive "grain-free" kibble for just 6 months. After switching to Grand Future, urine pH returned normal, the small stones passed safely within months, blood in the urine disappeared, and the dog gradually lost the excess weight.
A 115 lb dog developed calcium oxalate bladder stones and gained 15 lbs of unhealthy fat after consuming expensive "grain-free" kibble for just 6 months. After switching to Grand Future, urine pH returned normal, the small stones passed safely within months, blood in the urine disappeared, and the dog gradually lost the excess weight.
Research & References
- Candellone A, et al. (2024). Retrospective Study of 222 Dogs Suffering from Food-Responsive Enteropathy — Correlation with Clinical Variables, Diet and Breed. Veterinary Sciences 11(7):294. PMID: 39057978.
- Daley CA, Abbott A, Doyle PS, Nader GA, Larson S. (2010). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutrition Journal 9:10. PMID: 20219103.
- Dahms I, Bailey-Hall E, Sylvester E, Parenteau A, Yu S, Karagiannis A, Roos F, Wilson J. (2019). Safety of a novel feed ingredient, Algal Oil containing EPA and DHA, in a gestation-lactation-growth feeding study in Beagle dogs. PLoS ONE 14(6):e0217794. PMID: 31158258.
- Bauer JE. (2007). Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 231(11):1657–1661. PMID: 18052798.
- Hobi S, Bęczkowski PM, Mueller R, Tse M, Barrs VR. (2024). Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats. The Veterinary Journal 304:106084. PMID: 38431127.
- Mueller RS, Olivry T. (2017). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (4): can we diagnose adverse food reactions in dogs and cats with in vivo or in vitro tests? BMC Veterinary Research 13:275. PMID: 28854915.
- Bernstein JA, Tater K, Bicalho RC, Rishniw M. (2019). Hair and saliva analysis fails to accurately identify atopic dogs or differentiate real and fake samples. Veterinary Dermatology 30(2):105–e28. PMID: 30680834. DOI: 10.1111/vde.12716.
- Cridge H, Parker VJ, Kathrani A. (2024). Nutritional management of pancreatitis and concurrent disease in dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262(6):834–840. PMID: 38569533.
- Quilliam C, Ren Y, Morris T, Ai Y, Weber LP. (2021). The Effects of 7 Days of Feeding Pulse-Based Diets on Digestibility, Glycemic Response and Taurine Levels in Domestic Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8:654223. PMID: 34026892.
- Quéau Y, Bijsmans ES, Feugier A, Biourge VC. (2020). Increasing dietary sodium chloride promotes urine dilution and decreases struvite and calcium oxalate relative supersaturation in healthy dogs and cats. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 104(5):1524–1530. PMID: 32157751.
- Stevenson AE, Blackburn JM, Markwell PJ, Robertson WG. (2004). Nutrient intake and urine composition in calcium oxalate stone-forming dogs: comparison with healthy dogs and impact of dietary modification. Veterinary Therapeutics 5(3):218–231. PMID: 15578454.
- Chandler ML. (2008). Pet food safety: sodium in pet foods. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine. PMID: 18656843.
Individual results can vary.
But the principle remains the same: supplying the carnivore digestive system with its natural fuel and eliminating all starches (critical) can allow the body to repair, rebalance, and thrive.
If your dog has a chronic ailment or loose stool, we highly recommend you give us a call at 310-400-6295 so that we can provide you individual guidance.
